Four questions to ask yourself to find unshakeable joy

Joy. I think I can say for certain that most of us want to live with unshakeable joy. But…many of us struggle to find joy in the everyday, mundane moments of life. You know — moments like waking up to sick kids. Or frustrations at work. Or even the need to catch up on those chores around the house. And if you’re anything like me, the nagging things of today tend to choke out the joy I hoped for when my feet hit the floor in the morning. So if you’ve been asking yourself how to find joy or even where that joy once had is hiding, then stick with me as we cover four questions to ask yourself to find unshakeable joy.

Question # 1: Where does my joy come from?

It’s a simple question with a not so simple answer. If I’m honest, I’ve had seasons where my joy truly felt like it was unshakeable. Life was good. My relationship with God was good. And joy felt — well obtainable. Fast forward to the last few years and life has felt hard. The places I thought I would end up seemed out of reach. Work was stressful. Relationships weren’t what I thought they should be. TO be honest, joy was less unshakeable and more elusive.

The secret to finding joy — to be perfectly honest — is not in our circumstances. Or our life plans. Or even in our moods. The secret to joy is found in our faith. The secret is found in our trust of God’s ways. The secret is found when we have eyes to see the way God is working even when it’s not the way we would of chosen.

question # 2: what steals my joy?

My friend Mary Kay has this saying, “Don’t let your first thought be your last thought.” It’s always stuck with me mostly because as human beings we’re not the best thinkers. Everything we’re thinking is not always true. And whether you call it stinkin’ thinking, limiting beliefs, or anything else — our thoughts can lead to behaviors that lead to losing our joy. When it comes to living with joy-filled faith, it’s important to for each of us to be aware of what steals our joy and what our thoughts are about those joy stealers.

Challenging our first thoughts and checking to see if those thoughts are true can help us work through those joy stealers. Paul in his letter to the Philippians tells us quite simply, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Question # 3: how can I live with purpose today?

Back when I first moved to Minnesota and entered seminary, I mistakenly thought that purpose was a destination. If I could just find my dream job or my dream man, I would find my ultimate purpose. The truth? It took years to finish seminary and another few years until I finally arrived at what I thought was my dream job. Most days I drove everyone around me crazy. Life was not filled with joy — only a longing to be somewhere else doing something else. But during this time God began speaking to my heart and eventually I learned an invaluable lesson. Living with person is not a job or a place you live. It’s found in how we show up with God everyday. It’s learning that God is always at work and goes with us everywhere we go. Purpose can be found in the mundaneness of going to the same job, doing the same thing, and coming home to the same house. It’s found in finding God in the middle of our days. It’s found in embracing our everyday life — living for the good of the other and the glory of God? If you’ve been wrestling with joy in this season — the real question is how can you find purpose in the life you’re already living?

question # 4: how am i cultivating daily practices that bring joy?

When it comes to cultivating joy, our daily habits can have a big impact. The rhythms that we practice can lead us to or away from joy. Practices like prayer, spending time in God’s Word, moving our bodies, and taking time to be present in our day. I have a friend who wakes and prays while she’s still laying in bed. Before her feet hit the floor, she is talking to God. I’ve teased her several times because if I did that this girl would be snoozing in a minute. But I like the practice she has everyday. Wake up and pray. For you, it may not be while laying in bed — but while you’re in the shower. Maybe it’s reading from a devotional or exercising first. Your practices don’t have to look like mine — but it’s important for each of us to spend time cultivating daily rhythms that lead to joy.

One last thing I didn’t mention. Part of what leads to a joy-filled life is people. Cultivating community. Finding relationships where you can love and be loved. Know and be known. Relationships that remind you that joy is found in Jesus and trusting his purposes for our lives.

If you’re struggling to find joy in your life right now, you’re now alone. If you’re struggling to find a community with like-minded women who can help you find joy today. Then I’d love to have you join un for our next group coaching workshop on Saturday April 5th. We’ll be talking about unshakeable joy and how to find it in the life you’re already living!